New competition categories announced for Event Photography Awards 2015

Entries for the Event Photography Awards 2015 are now being accepted and all photographers, both amateur and professional, are encouraged to submit photographs for the chance to be named Event Photographer of the Year and best in class across a range of new award categories for 2015.

The Event Photography Awards 2015 is open to anyone who is working in or involved in the events and hospitality industry, and both amateur and professional photographers are invited to capture “the moment” in any of nine new sub categories:Music Events
Entrants to this category should capture amazing experiences or “the moment” at events where music plays a central role. Example events include gigs, festivals, concerts, orchestral or choral performances, or live music at private or corporate events.Cultural Events
Entrants to this category should capture amazing experiences at cultural events. Example events include protests, rallies, community events, comedy, theatre, fashion shows, art festivals, exhibitions and festivals.Sporting Events
Entrants to this category should capture amazing experiences at sporting events. These could include anything from rugby, football and ice hockey, to cricket, athletics, running, cycling and more.
Corporate Events
Entrants to this category should capture amazing experiences at corporate events. Examples of corporate events include indoor and outdoor team building days, product launches, themed events, conferences and conventions, workshops, corporate hospitality, gala events, charity events, awards ceremonies.Trade Shows
Entrants to this category should capture amazing experiences and “the moment” at trade shows, exhibitions and expos.Private Events
Entrants to this category should capture amazing experiences at private events. Examples of private events include birthday parties, engagement, anniversary or retirement parties, bar or bat mitzvahs, private dining and family reunions.Weddings
Entrants to this category should capture amazing experiences at weddings. These could include anything from the preparations, the dress fittings and the getting ready stage, to the “I do”, the family interactions and the late night dance floor action.Experiential
Entrants to this category should capture “the moment” at events where experiential marketing and the brand experience is central. These types of events engage consumers and invite and encourage them to participate in the evolution of a brand.Behind the scenes
Entrants to this category should capture “the moment” behind the scenes at events. Examples of behind the scenes moments could include staff briefings, kitchen preparation, building sets, rigging up lighting, the clean-up and more.
Prizes will be awarded to the Best Professional and Best Amateur photographer within each category. Judges will also select a Runner Up and Highly Commended photographer in each category.
Photographs taken using a smartphone or tablet are eligible for entry into any of the Amateur categories, with the creator of the best overall being in the running to be named Best Mobile Photographer.
Judges will also award a Grand Prix prize to the best professional shot and best amateur shot overall.Philip Atkins, managing director of Off to Work, the specialist events staffing agency that founded the Event Photography Awards, is looking forward to seeing the creative ways in which this year’s entrants depict the essence of live events: “Capturing amazing experiences is what this competition is all about. Amateur and professional photographers can be even more expressive this year with the launch of nine individual categories designed to challenge interpretations of dramatic settings, varying occasions, the moments and the emotions that events deliver. I’m delighted to welcome the expert eyes of an esteemed panel of judges this year, all bringing their own experienced take on how an image speaks a thousand words. I’d encourage photographers to get involved in this celebration of the incredible and diverse nature of the events and hospitality industry.”The judging panel for the Event Photography Awards is a who’s who of talent from the world of events. Confirmed names to date include:
• Alan Whiter, Vice President, Action Images
• Anthony Hyde, Consultant
• Carlo Zoccali, Meetings & Events Manager, Arsenal Football Club
• Claire Stokes, Managing Director, Circle Agency
• David Hornby, Why Not
• Graham Hill, Head of Venues & Events, Square Meal
• Kathryn James, Managing Director, NEC
• Nick James, Show Producer, Digital Marketing Show
• Paul Clarke, professional photographer and winner of the Event Photography Awards 2014
• Philip Atkins, Managing Director, Off to Work
• Sandy Angus, Chairman, Angus Montgomery Arts
The EPAs 2015 is open for entries now. Entrants can submit up to three photographs into any chosen category. Photographers can enter as many categories as they wish.
The closing date for submissions is 20th January 2015.
Photographs can be from any event that has taken place between 1st January 2014 and 31st December 2014.
To enter, send photographs (hi-res) as JPEGs or TIFs to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and include:
• Clear indication of which category is being entered
• Date and location of capture
• Title and brief description of the event or moment captured
• Type of equipment used to capture photograph, plus any effects used
• Name, job title, company, email address and phone number If your files are collectively larger than 5MB in size, please zip the file and send it or share it via a file transfer service such as Hightail or Dropbox.Shortlisted applicants will be advised in early February and a glittering awards ceremony will take place in London in March 2015.For more information about the individual categories and the criteria for entry, please visit www.eventphotographyawards.com.